Record crowds of glow-in-the-dark walkers have helped a Suffolk hospice raise more than £200,000 – and cash is continuing to roll in.
Almost 2,300 men, women and children illuminated the streets of Ipswich for St Elizabeth Hospice’s tenth annual Midnight Walk back in May.
Now funds raised through their efforts are poised to make a “real difference” to families living with a progressive illness.
Chelsea Scarlett, from Ipswich, suffers from brittle bones – but challenged herself to take part in the ten-mile walk in memory of her grandad.
“It was quite a sad walk for me as my grandad died the week before the event,” she said.
“But there was a brilliant atmosphere and there were a lot of people in a similar boat, sharing their experiences. It was very rewarding, and to hear how much it has raised for the hospice makes me so happy.
“I wanted to challenge myself to do it – I shouldn’t have really done it as I could have damaged myself but I was determined.”
The 21-year-old took part in the event with best friend Sophie Davis, 21, and boyfriend Tom Smith, 20.
Her grandad, Eric Vince, was 70 when he passed away at the hospice, but Chelsea said staff at the hospice were “incredible”.
“They helped him right to the very end, and we owe them so much for the care they gave him,” she added.
“That’s why I wanted to take part, to raise money for such a great cause.”
The hospice’s events and challenges fundraiser Catherine Sheppard said everyone at the charity is “delighted” with the total.
The money will help the hospice continue to provide families like Chelsea’s with the support they need. “Raising this incredible amount is the icing on the birthday cake,” said Ms Sheppard.
“Thank you to everyone who raised sponsorship or sponsored somebody. The amazing amount raised will make a real difference to the lives of our patients and their families living with a progressive illness such as cancer, motor neurone disease and heart failure.”
There’s still time to pay your sponsorship money. To do so, send your cheque to Midnight Walk, St Elizabeth Hospice, 565 Foxhall Road, Ipswich, IP3 8LX or call 01473 723600 to pay over the phone.
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